Hello there girls and gays

Excuse me today, I’m trying to be funny and witty. Idk if it’s working.

Anyways, so I came up with this post 0.5 seconds ago, well it’s a few days when I’m posting this but still. We’re just going with it because my creativity has been low when it comes to blog posts.

I literally just have a list of books in my head that have recently come out or are coming out soon that I’m keen to read. That’s all there is to it really. I’ve said before that my thought process is very interesting.

I… don’t have anything else to say so let’s just get into the books!!

BLM

But just quickly, I want to keep saying this and keep encouraging people to support the #BlackLivesMatter Movement. Just because it’s not “trending” anymore, it doesn’t mean we should stop talking about it. This injustice needs to end and we can do something about it. So here are some links!

I also wanted to mention since I am posting this on what is known as Youth Day in the country I live, South Africa, to remember the Soweto Uprising that took place on the 16th of June 1976. Black students protested against the Afrikaans Medium Decree but were then shot at by the South African police force. I just wanted to commemorate that as it is an important moment in South African history and also something not to forget. I’m also linking some petitions to help fight gender-based violence in South Africa, which is a severe issue we face and would appreciate any help.

RECENT RELEASES

✉

Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan

Released April 21st

This book has such a cool premise omg?? It gives me all the Tweet Cute vibes, which is one of my forever faves!!

It’s about these two characters, Jubilee is the daughter of an indie comic bookstore and Ridley is the son of a chain comic store and they meet at a comic convention!! First of all, such cool and unique names. Also Jubilee is a cellist, which shouldn’t make me as excited as I am but I,,, am so stoked. Literally have always wanted to learn to play the cello. I’m terrible oh well.

I believe it has bisexual representation so YES PLEASE.

All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson

Released April 28th

If somebody wouldn’t mind gifting me this stunning crown, please and thank you.

This book is a memoir-manifesto, so it’s non-fiction, not a genre I usually read. BUT I have the audiobook of this one and it’s narrated by the author and I’m just super keen to listen to it. It is YA and is told in the form of essays with George telling us their life story. So we’ve got a black MC as well as non-binary rep and discovering your sexuality.

I’ve heard nothing but stellar reviews and I can’t wait to listen to it. I’m like 30 minutes and it’s only like 5 hours < 3

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzalez

Released March 5th

I,,, need to read this. It’s been glaring at me from my shelf for like a solid 3 months and IT MUST BE READ. I feel like the last person who hasn’t welp. It’s literally a GAY GREASE RETELLING and MY BODY IS SO READY!!!

Literally, it’s going to be so adorable. Also, it’s pride. If you didn’t know that, well, I’m sorry, where have you been? I started the first few pages and it was already so adorable. I could tell it’d be something I’d enjoy.

I’m just ready to sell my soul for Ollie and Will and this romance eekkk.

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callander

Released May 5th

I CANNOT WITH THIS COVER OMGGGG!! LOOK HOW STUNNING CAN YOU PLEASE STOP SIR!!!

I totally did not realise that the author of this one was also the author of This Is Kind of An Epic Love Story which I also want to read. So basically I just need to read all of their books. Anyways, this book has been getting STELLAR reviews. It has a trans and enby MC as well as a bi MC, and I think there’s slow-burn enemies-to-lovers AND a love triangle?? The author is also black and ahh I freaking NEED this in my life ugh.

I am just ready to scream from the rooftops about this book. Also, this is irrelevant sorta, but the author has worked with some other really cool authors since they were an editor!! Very cool.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Released May 5th

I know next to nothing about this book, but I am DYING to read? Indeed I am.

I need to get a better system wow. But um, Elizabeth Acevedo is lowkey my new role model. I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!

At this moment in time, I’ve only read The Poet X, which is her first book told in verse (this one being the second) but it was so brilliant. And as soon as it arrives in my country, hopefully soon, I plan on doing a lil marathon and reading both this stunner and With The Fire On High. It’s going to be a fun time!! Also, Elizabeth is Afro-Dominican and I believe this has a f/f romance??

The Fascinators by Andrew Eliopoulos

Released May 12th

This one was on my 2020 anticipated releases list and I’m still SO EXCITED! It’s got MAGIC and GAYS and I literally could not ask for more.

I believe it’s contemporary with a sprinkle of magic, which I LOVE. Again, this COVER is just oof stunning. Apparently it’s got The Raven Boys vibes which we’re also here for.

Basically, this book was written for me to love and is a recipe for success.

*grabby hands*

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

Released May 12th

I,,, am kicking myself for overlooking this book. It’s stupid days over on Ruby Rae Reads.

Everyone is yelling about how adorable this book is and I WANT TO KNOW WHY. Also, I need more f/f romance in my life, it’s severely lacking.

This book is about a Muslim girl and a school rival who aren’t supposed to like each other but can’t help it. And they have to compete in their school competition, coincidentally both choosing henna as their talent. Whoops. Also, it looks like childhood friends to lovers!! The excitement is real.

Date Me, Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye

Released May 21st

These publishers need to chill and stop killing me with these amazing covers because I won’t be able to survive.

So… this book is described as What If It’s Us meets To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before which sounds so great. But even better and what makes me most excited is that it’s FAKE DATING and set AT A PRIVATE SCHOOL. Plus it’s by a South African author?? And I may have screaming when I heard that because THATS AMAZING and how did I not know this before?? Betrayal. Also, I believe the author is mixed race and that this is own voices!

I have an eARC of this whoops. I’m late but I want to get to it asap and I hear it’s a quick read. VERY READY to obsess over this book so hard.

You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson

Released June 2nd

This book obviously just recently came out, in the midst of the BLM movement, and has been getting a lot of buzz. SUPPORT BLACK AUTHORS!! Anyways, I’ve literally seen nothing but 5-star reviews and I have FOMO and also want to read it

I don’t want to be a broken record so I won’t mention how stunning this cover is. Oh wait… whoops.

This one has a f/f romance (which YES I NEED!! MORE!! IN!! MY!! LIFE!! recs are welcome) about high school seniors battling for prom queen and it’s set in a small town. Sounds great and I need it?!?!

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

Released June 2nd

This one, of course, came out the same day as our previous title, as it also by a black author. And how I didn’t know about this book before shocks me because ARE YOU SEEING WHAT I’M SEEING?!?!?

SIRENS!! BLACK SIRENS!!

It’s an urban fantasy, by the looks of things, it’s about high school girls and ughh I AM SO EXCITED!!

GIVE IT TO ME!!

The Falling In Love Montage by Ciara Smyth

Released June 9th

First of all, this title may be the cutest thing ever.

And secondly, don’t ask me why I didn’t have it on my anticipated releases list. Because the answer is that I’m stupid. Very very stupid.

This has the potential to either make me want to internally cringe at all the cheese OR make me want to internally die BECAUSE it’s too cute. So there’s a 50/50 chance I’ll love or hate this book. It has good reviews though so fingers crossed.

All I know is it’s sapphic and is about girls recreating cliche movie dates. And that one of the love interests is called Ruby. Amazing.

UPCOMING RELEASES

✉

Loveless by Alice Oseman

Releases July 8th

I also mentioned this one in my anticipated releases yet but I’m still super excited. And scared because Alice said she hated writing this book.

I have only read Radio Silence by her, and the Heartstopper graphic novels, but only one of her novels. I need to change that asap because I really admire her as a writer.

All I know about this one is that it’s about an aromantic and asexual girl. That’s it. Please don’t break me.

The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune

Releases July 14th

I have both an eARC of this one and also advanced audiobook copy from Libro.fm so I need to get to it super soon.

This is another case of how did I not know this book existed until now?? Because yet again GAY and SUPERHEROES!!!

I’m literally SO EXCITED YA DON’T EVEN KNOW!! It’s about this boy who writes the most popular fanfic about gay superheroes. And maybe he’s in love with his best friend. He also has ADHD. Does this not sound amazing?? *insert keyboard smash* gahajdbahg

I Kissed Alice by Anna Birch

Releases July 28th

This one sounds so great ahhh!!!

It’s literally about these art school rival gals who start anonymously collaborating on a graphic novel together. And the world needs to blessed with this omg.

I also only now just realised that it has illustrations. Please stop I’M SO EXCITED!!

F/f romance here we come.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Releases September 1st

My grabby hands are ITCHING for this book send help.

I just can’t even with this TITLE and COVER!! Plus the author seems so awesome, I’m already in love.

This book has trans and LatinX rep. And freaking ACCIDENTALLY summoning GHOSTS. It’s going be utter chaos but I am so ready. Also, I believe it’s own voices!

There’s some stunning fan art already. It’s got ROMANCE. And that’s all I need to know. WE’RE READY!!

The Summer of Everything by Julian Winters

Releases September 8th

I,,, haven’t read any of Julian’s other books but here I am, very pumped to read this one. On brand or what.

Anyways, this book sounds AMAZING. The synopsis and I are TOTALLY vibing. I can’t believe I just said that but also I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever said. Unless I’m not the first. That’d be awkward. I’ll show myself out.

Anyways, this book has a MC who likes old 90s music and works at a bookstore. I think I’ve found my spirit character. That’s not a thing but it is now. If that isn’t me then idk what is.

I’m ready. Also, I think it’s got a m/m romance and the author is black < 3

Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds

Releases September 22nd

I,,, have not read this author’s first book yet. But I’ve been to for FREAKING AGES! It sounds… so good?? Literally am so excited. It has time travel and having to live a day over and over again. So hyped.

And the author is SO NICE. He’s commented on my Instagram photos before and I just really want to support him. I believe his second book has a similar premise, i.e. it also involves time travel and time loops!! The author is black btw < 3

EEKK!! SO PUMPED!!

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Releases October 6th

This comes out in quite a few months but it seems like all the special people are getting ARCs and literally saying this is their new favourite book ever.

And I am NOT prepared. Send help.

I have read and LOVED ADSOM and desperately need to read Vicous, but I know I LOVE Victoria’s adult novels and that I should, by default, love this one.

A 300-year-old woman falls in love with a devil?!?! I MUST KNOW!!

HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS YET? DID YOU LIKE THEM? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? WHICH OF THEM ARE ON YOUR TBR? ARE THERE ANY THAT I DIDN’T MENTION THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT? I’D LIVE TO KNOW!

xo